electronic, or photo optical system, including, but not limited to, electronic mail, internet communications, instant
messages, or facsimile communications. Cyber-bullying also includes:
the creation of a web page or blog in which the creator assumes the identity of another person or
the knowing impersonation of another person as the author of posted content or messages, if the creation or
impersonation creates any of the conditions included in the definition of bullying above.
Cyber-bullying shall also include the distribution by electronic means of a communication to more than one person or
the posting of material on an electronic medium that may be accessed by one or more persons, if the distribution or
posting creates any of the conditions included in the definition of bullying above.
Jurisdiction: Bullying is prohibited on school grounds and property immediately adjacent to school grounds as
well as:
at a school-sponsored or school-related activity, function, or program whether on or off school grounds
at a school bus stop, on a school bus, or other vehicle owned, leased or used by the school district
through the use of technology or an electronic device owned, leased or used by a school district or school, and
at a location, activity, function or program that is not school-related, or through the use of technology or an electronic
device that is not owned, leased or used by a school district or school, if the bullying creates a hostile environment
at school for the target, infringes on the rights of the target at school, or materially and substantially disrupts the
education process or the orderly operation of a school.
Note: Nothing contained herein shall require schools to staff any non-school related activities, functions, or
programs.
Retaliation against a person who reports bullying, provides information during an investigation of bullying,
witnesses bullying, or has reliable information about bullying shall be prohibited.
Malden Public Schools recognizes that certain students may be more vulnerable to become targets of bullying,
harassment, or teasing based on actual or perceived characteristics, including race, color, religion, ancestry,
national origin, sex, socioeconomic, status, homelessness, academic status, gender identity or expression,
physical appearance, or sensory, disability, or by association with a person who has or is perceived to have one
or more of these characteristics. The school or district will identify specific steps it will take to create a safe,
supportive environment for vulnerable populations in the school community, and provide all students with the
skills, knowledge, and strategies to prevent or respond to bullying, harassment, or teasing.
District Responsibilities: Each year, the district shall...
Provide all staff members with written notice of the bullying policy.
Provide students and parents/guardians with written notice of the relevant, student-related sections of the
bullying policy in age-appropriate terms and in the languages which are most prevalent in the district.
Provide age-appropriate instruction on bullying prevention in each grade through an evidence-based curriculum.
Provide professional development to build the skills of all staff members to prevent, identify, and respond to
bullying. The content of such professional development shall include, but not be limited to:
o developmentally appropriate strategies to prevent bullying incidents
o developmentally appropriate strategies for immediate, effective interventions to stop bullying incidents
o information regarding the complex interaction and power differential that can take place between and
among an aggressor, target, and witnesses to the bullying
o research findings on bullying, including information about specific categories of students who have been
shown to be particularly at risk for bullying in the school environment
o information on the incidence and nature of cyber-bullying, and
o internet safety issues as they relate to cyber-bullying.
Inform parents and guardians about:
o the bullying prevention curriculum of the school district
o how parents and guardians can reinforce the curriculum at home and support the school district
o the dynamics of bullying, and